with
John Massey
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
The key focus will be working with compost – the living force that accepts Dana from the kitchen along with other goodies and in turn gifts nourishment to so many beings – including our Sangha. We will be turning the compost that’s been ‘creatively composing or decomposing’ over the past few months, and then starting another bin on its journey back to the soil.
And there may well be other garden work depending on time available.
Garden activities will start mid-morning on Saturday. If you would like to come Friday please come after 4 pm – there is a retreat finishing earlier on Friday so there needs to be some time between the two events. Otherwise you may like to arrive bright and early on Saturday morning.
There will be time for practice and socialising, and those who would like to continue with the garden work are welcome to stay on for Sunday as well.
This will be a ‘group volunteer’ event so please bring food to share. We will prepare meals together. There is no charge for staying, just the expectation that all facilities are left clean and tidy.
And please bring some food for the compost – maybe horse manure or something similar!
This is a Dana Event.
Please bring Dana for your accommodation.
Please bring food to share.
The retreat takes place on the beautiful Wangapeka whenua nestled in stunning native forests with expansive views down the Wangapeka valley. The land itself provides a healing sanctuary surrounded by mature trees and offering the perfect environment for reflection and reconnection with nature.
Accommodation is included in the price of the retreat, with all rooms being comfortable and well-appointed with single beds and electric heating. Shared bathroom facilities are conveniently located close to all rooms.
All meals are included in this retreat to support the your well-being and focus. Our kitchen team prepares nourishing vegetarian food to sustain and delight you throughout your stay. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated and self-catering is also possible if you prefer to bring and prepare your own food.
This teaching room is beautifully crafted and has been used for a wide variety of teaching for over 20 years. It has a wooden parquet floor and a pot belly stove to keep away winter chills. Set amongst beautiful mature trees, it offers a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley, creating an inspiring environment for movement and meditation practices.
The original building at Wangapeka, the Main Hall serves as the heart of community life with its combined living and dining room, library, and welcoming wood burner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are freely available here throughout your stay. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy interior or step out onto the porch to enjoy the expansive views, this space invites connection and contemplation. The hall also houses the kitchen, bathroom facilities, and laundry for your convenience.
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